Vertical and horizontal spacers to form curved glass block walls

Abstract

This application discloses parts for use in constructing a curved glass block wall using regular shaped glass blocks. The assembly parts include a vertical spacer, which provides for adjustable widths of spacing to be obtained between adjacent glass blocks, as well as a horizontal connector which provides for both lateral and transverse adjustments to be made.

1. A vertical spacer disposed between and spacing adjacent glass blocks, each of the glass blocks having a height of “h”, said vertical spacer comprising:
 (a) two planar pieces each of said planar pieces having a first edge and a second edge, said first edge opposite said second edge;  
 (b) said first edges joined fixedly together to provide a fixed distance between two adjacent glass blocks; and  
 (c) said second edges joined adjustably together to provide an adjustable distance between said two adjacent glass blocks.  
 
   
   
     2. The vertical spacer according to  claim 1 , wherein said second edge includes:
 (a) one or more ridges; and  
 (b) one or more troughs said one or more troughs operative to engage said one or more ridges.  
 
   
   
     3. The vertical spacer according to  claim 1 , wherein said vertical spacer is comprised of one of: PVC, plastic or a combination thereof. 
   
   
     4. The vertical spacer according to  claim 1 , wherein said vertical spacer is substantially equal in height to said “h”. 
   
   
     5. The vertical spacer according to  claim 1 , wherein said fixed distance is ⅛ of an inch. 
   
   
     6. The vertical spacer according to  claim 1 , wherein said adjustable distance is adjustable from ⅜ of an inch to ½ of an inch to ⅝ of an inch. 
   
   
     7. A connector connecting with first and second horizontal spacers across a vertical gap between adjacent glass blocks in a wall of glass blocks, said connector comprising:
 (a) a first connector portion coupled to an end of said first spacer, the end of said first spacer being adjacent said vertical gap; and  
 (b) a second connector portion coupled to an end of said second spacer, the end of said second spacer being opposed to the end of said first spacer, said second connector portion rotatably coupled to said first connector portion;  
 
     wherein said first and second connector portions are adjustably coupled to said ends of said first and second spacers, respectively, so as to permit adjustment of a gap between said ends of said first and second spacers. 
   
   
     8. The connector according to  claim 7 , wherein said first connector portion is coupled to said first spacer by one or more first prongs and said second connector portion is coupled to said second spacer by one or more second prongs. 
   
   
     9. The connector according to  claim 8 , wherein said first and second prongs are each two in number. 
   
   
     10. The connector according to  claim 8 , wherein said first connector portion and said second connector portion are identically shaped. 
   
   
     11. The connector according to  claim 8 , wherein said first and second prongs include barbs. 
   
   
     12. The connector according to  claim 8 , wherein said connector is comprised of one of: PVC, plastic and a combination thereof. 
   
   
     13. A method of forming a curved glass block wall from substantially rectangular glass blocks, comprising:
 a) adjusting an adjustable vertical spacer to define a desired curvature in said curved glass block wall;  
 b) positioning said adjustable vertical spacer between adjacent vertical sides of adjacent glass blocks;  
 c) positioning horizontal spacers between adjacent horizontal sides of adjacent glass blocks; and  
 d) connecting adjacent ones of said horizontal spacers with transversely adjustable horizontal connectors.  
 
   
   
     14. The method according to  claim 13 , wherein said vertical spacers are substantially equal in height to a height of said glass blocks. 
   
   
     15. The method according to  claim 13 , wherein said horizontal spacers are substantially equal in length to said glass blocks. 
   
   
     16. The method according to  claim 13 , wherein said transversely adjustable horizontal connectors are further capable of lateral adjustment within said horizontal spacers.